It has recently come to my attention how much words have changed over the years. Meanings of words have evolved to become something completely different than their original meanings. Or even how some words were created by two words becoming one, which actually is called rebracketing. In this article, I will be listing a few words we use today and what they originally meant before they evolved into what they are now.
1. Companion
Today’s definition of companion is "a person or animal with whom someone spends time or travels." In contrast, the original definition of "companion" is somewhat more meaningful than that. The first part of our word “com-” means to share with, the second part “-panion” is defined as a bread. So the original definition of "companion" was a person you break or share your bread with. Sure, this word has not changed that much but its original poignancy has decreased its sting quite a bit.
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2. Cocktail
Everyone’s favorite Friday night drink. Today, a cocktail is just defined as an alcoholic beverage, generally a mixed spirit of some sort. The original definition has a bit more pizazz than that. “Cocktail” was originally written like “Koktail” and a “Koktail” is a scorpion that stings you in the end. Sounds like a better definition for a cocktail, doesn’t it?
3. Bonfire
A bonfire today is defined as "a good fire," the term "good" being assumed from the French term “bon” which means good. When in reality, the “bon” of “bonfire” actually means bone. So a bonfire is actually a bonefire. The confusion is due to an incorrect translation that was taught too much before the error was discovered. Will this make you pause and think a bit differently the next time you have a bonfire? (Please don't act on the original derivation of the word.)
4. Nickname
Our next word is a good example of the above mentioned rebracketing. The word nickname originally was pronounced as “ekename” which means "an additional, little name." Over time, "ekename" morphed into "nickname" with the decreased correct pronunciation of the original word.
5. Ambidextrous
"Ambidextrous" is defined as "having the ability to use both your right and left hands." The original definition of ambidextrous was "both right hands." This is due to the left hand being considered an evil appendage in history. Brings a whole new meaning to having two left hands.
6. Goober
“Goober”—this word at least where I hail from is used as a name you call a friend who is being silly or goofy. The original definition of this word is as simple as it gets. It actually means a peanut, believe it or not. So the next time you call someone a goober, go ahead and call them a peanut instead and see what happens.
I hope this article taught you, even to the smallest degree, that words can change over time, and that not everything you say in your everyday life started out as meaning what it does now.
